Welcome to Backcountry Views premier edition of my blog. I see online in forums and facebook groups alot of people asking for tips on backcountry camping, etiquette etc. So i decided to write my first blog with some helpful tips I have picked up over years of solo and group camping in the backcountry. These tips apply to crownland as well as provincial and national parks. Please remember to check the Useful Links section of the main page of my website for fire bans, closures and road reports prior to heading out, so you wont have any unsuspecting suprises that might hinder your trip. Below are best practices for safely camping in the backcountry, they are in no particular order. If you follow these, your neighbours and wildlife should not bother you and this should allow you to make some great memories.
Essential Safety Tips for Camping in the Wild
Camping in the wild can be a rewarding experience, offering a deep connection with nature and a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it’s crucial to follow some basic safety rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Carry Bear Spray on You (Not Near You) and Know How to Use It
When camping in bear country, carrying bear spray is a non-negotiable safety measure. Bear spray is a potent deterrent designed to stop a bear in its tracks by creating a large cloud of irritating spray. Here’s what you need to know:
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Accessibility: Always carry the bear spray on your person, ideally in a holster on your belt or chest. This ensures it is within easy reach if you encounter a bear unexpectedly.
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Training: Familiarize yourself with the bear spray’s operation. Practice removing the safety clip and deploying the spray. Many outdoor shops offer practice canisters. For info on bear and cougar awareness click here.
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Usage: Aim slightly downward and adjust for wind. Spray when the bear is about 20-30 feet away in short bursts of 2-3 seconds. One bear spray per person is recommended to ensure everyone has access to this essential tool.
Do Not Leave Food Unattended
Food left out in the open is a magnet for wildlife. This can lead to dangerous encounters and habituate animals to human presence, ythus causing the animal to euphanized and no one wants that. Here are some tips:
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Secure Storage: Use bear-resistant containers or hang food in a tree at least 12-15 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk. Ensure the food is stored at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.
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Cooking Area: Prepare and consume food away from your sleeping area. This minimizes the scent trail that could attract animals to your tent.
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Continuous Vigilance: Never leave food unattended, even for a short period. If you need to leave your campsite, pack up all food and secure it properly.
Pick Up Dog Feces (and Your Own)
Human and dog waste can attract wildlife and contaminate water sources. Proper disposal is essential for maintaining a clean and safe environment:
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Dog Waste: Always carry waste bags and dispose of dog feces in trash bins or pack it out. Never leave it behind as it can attract predators.
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Human Waste: Use designated restrooms where available. If not, dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites. Cover the hole with soil after use.
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Pack Out Toilet Paper: Used toilet paper should be packed out in a sealed bag to prevent litter and wildlife attraction.
Remove All Garbage
Leaving no trace is a fundamental principle of responsible camping. Here’s how to handle garbage:
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Pack Out Trash: Bring sturdy trash bags and pack out all garbage, including food scraps and packaging. If you find litter left by others, take the initiative to clean it up.
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Daily Clean-Up: Regularly inspect your campsite for any waste. This prevents accumulation and minimizes wildlife attraction.
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Dispose Properly: Once you leave the campsite, dispose of your garbage in appropriate facilities. Avoid burning trash as it can release harmful pollutants and doesn’t fully eliminate waste.
Have an Active Crownland Camping Pass
Camping on Crown land in Alberta requires a valid camping pass. This helps regulate use and maintain these natural areas:
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Purchase: Obtain your Crownland camping pass through the Alberta Realm app before your trip or from this site. This ensures you’re complying with regulations.
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Display: Keep your pass with you and display it as required by local regulations. This shows that you’re a responsible and law-abiding camper.
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Support Conservation: The fees from these passes help fund the maintenance and preservation of Crown lands, ensuring they remain beautiful and accessible for future generations.
Store Food Securely
Proper food storage is essential to prevent attracting wildlife to your campsite. Here are some methods:
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Bear Hang: Use a bear hang system to suspend food from a tree branch. Ensure it is at least 12-15 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk or any branches.
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Bear Containers: Use bear-resistant containers, which are designed to be impenetrable by bears. Place these containers away from your sleeping area.
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Food Storage Areas: Set up a designated food storage area away from your tent. This reduces the risk of animals wandering into your sleeping space.
Keep Campsite Free of Attractants
Attractants include anything that emits a scent or resembles food. Maintaining a clean campsite helps in avoiding wildlife encounters:
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Clean Up After Meals: Immediately clean up food scraps and wash dishes after eating. Store cleaned dishes securely. Remove empty beer bottles as there items also attract unwanted wildlife to your site.
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Dispose of Waste Properly: Keep garbage bags sealed and away from the campsite. Dispose of them properly when you leave.
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Store Toiletries Securely: Store scented items like toothpaste, soap, and deodorant with your food. These can also attract animals if left out.
Leave Campsite Better Than You Found It
Practicing the leave-no-trace principle ensures the wilderness remains pristine:
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Remove All Traces: Pack out all trash, including micro-litter like small food scraps or cigarette butts.
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Restore the Area: If you moved rocks or logs, return them to their original positions. Erase any traces of your campsite.
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Collect Leftover Litter: Take a few moments to clean up any litter left by others. This small effort makes a big difference.
Have Tarps Ready
Being prepared for sudden weather changes can make your camping experience more comfortable:
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Protect Firewood: Use tarps to cover firewood, keeping it dry for easy ignition even in wet conditions.
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Create Shelter: Set up tarps to create sheltered areas for cooking or relaxing during rain.
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Multi-Purpose: Tarps can be used for ground cover, additional tent insulation, or emergency shelter.
Research Your Hiking Areas
Knowing the terrain and conditions of your hiking areas helps in planning and safety:
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Study Maps: Use topographical maps to understand the terrain, elevation changes, and water sources.
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Trail Conditions: Check for recent trail conditions and any alerts or closures. Websites and local ranger stations can provide this information.
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Prepare for Hazards: Be aware of potential hazards like river crossings, steep inclines, or wildlife activity. Plan your route accordingly.
Respect Others’ Privacy
While camping, it’s important to respect the solitude and privacy of fellow campers:
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Maintain Distance: Set up your campsite at a reasonable distance from others, allowing them their space.
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Quiet Hours: Adhere to quiet hours, especially in the early morning and late evening. Loud noises can disturb wildlife and other campers.
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Be Courteous: Friendly greetings are welcome, but avoid intruding on others unless invited. Respecting boundaries ensures everyone has a pleasant experience.
Do Not Feed Wildlife
Feeding wildlife disrupts their natural behavior and can lead to dangerous encounters:
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Natural Diet: Animals have specialized diets that are disrupted by human food. Feeding them can cause health issues.
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Habituation: Animals that become accustomed to human food may lose their fear of humans, leading to aggressive behavior.
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Safety Risks: Feeding wildlife increases the risk of animals approaching campsites, which can be dangerous for both the animals and campers.
Keep an Eye Out for Sasquatch
Keep an eye out for Sasquatch – you never know what you might see in the wild, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice:
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Stay Aware: Keeping an eye on your surroundings can help you spot interesting wildlife and potential hazards.
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Enjoy the Mystery: The legend of Sasquatch adds an element of mystery and excitement to your adventure and if you see anything you can report your sighting to the Alberta Sasquatch Association here.
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Capture Memories: Bring a camera to capture the unique sights and experiences during your trip.
Camping in the wild is an incredible experience, and by following these safety rules, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and responsible adventure. Happy camping! And if you have any questions, leave a comment below.